Patterns of quality assurance and treatment planning for stereotactic body radiation therapy in India - A survey.

AIM: The use of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an increasing trend in the country. The aim of this study is to gain knowledge on patterns of quality assurance (QA) and treatment planning (TP) aspects with respect to SBRT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire with multiple choice was designed to determine practices of SBRT covering areas such as years of experience, type of linear accelerator, tumor-motion strategies, calculation algorithm used in the TP system (TPS), the protocol used for small field dosimetry, the detector used for small field dosimetry and QA, respiratory management during delivery. The survey was sent to all radiotherapy institutes in the country having a minimum of one linear accelerator, and responses were analyzed. RESULTS: From June 2022 to December 2022, 265 responses to the SBRT survey were received with response rate as 60.4%. The most common reason for not adopting SBRT was reported as a lack of capability of treatment machines to deliver SBRT (61.6%). Lung (81.1%) was the most practiced site. The most common delivery unit was a conventional linear accelerator (83%); 6 MV FFF (85.7%) was mostly used energy; volumetric-modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT) (91.5%) was mostly used delivery technique; most of the equipment (more than 91.5%) used multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf width ≤5 mm. The most popular methods used for motion strategies during computed tomography (CT) were motion-encompassing and breath-hold techniques used by 65 (62.5%) and 62 (59.6%) respondents, respectively. The most popular method used for respiratory management during delivery was breath-hold by 55 (52.4%) respondents. Most TPS are equipped with either Type-C or Type-B algorithms. Heterogeneity was observed in the QA protocol and acceptance criteria for analysis of patient-specific QA. CONCLUSION: The survey resulted in heterogeneity in QA and TP aspects among users of SBRT and demands for harmonizing the dosimetric aspects of SBRT in the country.

Role of maternal hyperoxygenation testing to predict need for balloon atrial septostomy in fetal d-transposition of great arteries.

OBJECTIVES: Predicting whether balloon atrial septostomy (BAS) will be necessary after birth for fetuses with d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA) remains challenging. We sought to determine whether measurements obtained during fetal maternal hyperoxygenation (MH) testing can improve our ability to predict need for postnatal BAS. METHODS: Forty-one mothers carrying fetuses with d-TGA with either intact ventricular septum or small ventricular septal defect measuring <3mm underwent MH testing between 33-38 weeks gestation. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) size, measured by 2D and color Doppler, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunting (all antegrade versus bidirectional) was assessed in room air (RA) and during MH, blinded to postnatal outcome. BAS status and timing were recorded. RESULTS: Postnatally, 23 neonates underwent BAS while 18 did not, and 14 subjects underwent emergent BAS within 3 hours of life. By univariate analysis, PFO size measured both in RA and MH and all antegrade shunting in the PDA during MH predicted BAS. During MH testing, median PFO size by 2D measured 2.5mm (interquartile range, IQR, 2-3mm) in fetuses who underwent emergent BAS versus 4.1mm (IQR 3.4-5mm) in fetuses who did not undergo BAS (p<0.001). By cutpoint analysis, PFO size during MH testing ≤ 3.2mm predicted need for emergent BAS with sensitivity 93% and specificity 78%. CONCLUSIONS: In d-TGA, measurement of PFO size and direction of PDA shunting during MH testing improves our ability to predict need for BAS postnatally, although additional study is needed. We propose incorporating third trimester MH testing when planning deliveries of d-TGA fetuses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Correlation of palatal anatomic characteristics with dermatoglyphic heterogeneity in different growth patterns.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to explore the correlation between dermatoglyphic patterns and quantitative palatal anatomic variables in individuals with different growth patterns. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 126 healthy patients aged 17-25 years. Participants were divided into three groups based on growth patterns: average, vertical, and horizontal. Dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using an optical fingerprint sensor, and palatal characteristics were measured using digital software. Palatal characteristics, including intercanine width, intermolar width, and palatal depth, were measured using digital software. The results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in ridge counts among the three growth patterns. The average growth pattern showed lower ridge counts compared to the vertical and horizontal growth patterns. Dermatoglyphic patterns, such as double loops and tented arches, were significantly higher in the horizontal growth pattern. Weak correlations were found between certain dermatoglyphic patterns and palatal characteristics, with simple arch patterns showing a negative correlation with inter-canine width and symmetrical whorl patterns showing a positive correlation with palatal depth. Loop patterns, spiral patterns, double loop patterns, symmetrical whorl, and simple arch patterns were significant predictors of growth patterns. CONCLUSION: This study revealed distinct dermatoglyphic patterns and ridge counts among individuals with different growth patterns. Weak correlations were observed between dermatoglyphic patterns and palatal characteristics. However, the predictive value of dermatoglyphics for skeletal malocclusion requires further investigation. Understanding the relationships between dermatoglyphic patterns and craniofacial growth can provide valuable insights into genetic and developmental factors affecting dental and orthodontic conditions.

Frequency and classification of addenda in paediatric neuroradiological reports as part of quality assurance.

AIM: To determine the frequency and classification of addenda seen in paediatric brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the addenda of brain MRI reports from a large tertiary children's hospital was undertaken between January 2013 to December 2021 and a subset of above radiology reports was used to classify addenda over 6-month periods, October to March, spanning 2018 to 2021. A radiology fellow and a medical doctor classified the addenda into previously published categories using their best judgement. RESULTS: Out of 73,643 brain MRI reports over 9 years (108 months) included in the study, only 923 reports (1.25%) had addenda. There was a total of 13,615 brain MRI reports from 6-month periods, of which only 179 reports (1.31%) had an addendum. The number of errors according to categories were: observational 88/13,615 (0.65%); interpretational 16/13,615 (0.12%); non-observational and non-interpretative 82/13,615 (0.6%). Notifications to referring physician made in 29/13,615 (0.21%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall proportion of addenda to the brain MRI reports of children in the present study was low, at 1.25%. Categorisation of different addenda revealed the most common errors to be observational in 0.65%, including under-reading in the region of interest in 0.25%. Appropriate measures can now be introduced to minimise the error-based addenda further and improve MRI diagnosis in children. Other paediatric practices may choose to follow suit in evaluating their addenda and errors to improve practice.

Fine mapping of a new common bean anthracnose resistance gene (Co-18) to the proximal end of Pv10 in Indian landrace KRC-5.

KEY MESSAGE: Mapping and fine mapping of bean anthracnose resistance genes is a continuous process. We report fine mapping of anthracnose resistance gene Co-18 which is the first anthracnose gene mapped to Pv10. The discovery of resistance gene is a major gain in the bean anthracnose pathosystem research. Among the Indian common bean landraces, KRC-5 exhibit high levels of resistance to the bean anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. To precisely map the anthracnose resistance gene, we used a Recombinant Inbred Line (F2:9 RIL) population (KRC-5 × Jawala). The inheritance test revealed that KRC-5 carries a dominant resistance gene temporarily designated as Co-18. We discovered two RAPD markers linked to Co-18 among 287 RAPD markers. These RAPD markers were eventually developed into SCARs (Sc-OPR15 and Sc-OPF6) and flank Co-18 on chromosome Pv10 at a distance of 5.3 and 4.2 cM, respectively. At 4.0-4.1 Mb on Pv10, we detected a SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) signal. We synthesized 58 SSRs and 83 InDels from a pool of 135 SSRs and 1134 InDels, respectively. Five SSRs, four InDels, and two SCARs were used to generate the high-density linkage map, which led to the identification of two SSRs (SSR24 and SSR36) that are tightly linked to Co-18. These two SSRs flank the Co-18 to 178 kb genomic region with 13 candidate genes including five NLR (nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat) genes. The closely linked markers SSR24 and SSR36 will be used in cloning and pyramiding of the Co-18 gene with other R genes to develop durable resistant bean varieties.

One-pot synthesis of unsubstituted and methyl substituted-pyrazinyl diselenides and monoselenides: structural, optical property characterization and DFT calculations.

Organoselenium compounds have long been fascinated researchers owing to their wide range of applications, such as in anticancer, in catalysis, and as molecular precursors for metal selenides. In this view, herein, the one-pot synthesis of dimethyl substituted and unsubstituted dipyrazinyl monoselenides, [(2-pyz)2Se] and [(2,5-Me2-3-pyz)2Se], and the corresponding dipyrazinyl disenides, [(2-pyzSe)2] and [(2,5-Me2-3-pyzSe)2], is demonstrated by the reduction of selenium metal using sodium borohydride at room temperature and a subsequent alkylation using the corresponding pyrazinyl halide in ethanol. All the diselenides and monoselenides were characterized using IR, UV-vis, photoluminescence, and NMR (1H, 13C{1H}, and 77Se{1H}) spectroscopy. The molecular structures of the diselenides and monoselenides were unambiguously determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SC-XRD). The optical properties, including absorption, excitation, emission, and quantum yield, of these organoselenium compounds were examined. Additionally, DFT calculations were performed to determine the HOMO and LUMO orbitals, band gap, and oscillator strength of these ligands.

In silico investigation on sensing of tyramine by boron and silicon doped C60 fullerenes.

The present communication deals with the adsorption of tyramine neurotransmitter over the surface of pristine, Boron (B) and Silicon (Si) doped fullerenes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to investigate tyramine adsorption on the surface of fullerenes in terms of stability, shape, work function, electronic characteristics, and density of state spectra. The most favourable adsorption configurations for tyramine have been computed to have adsorption energies of - 1.486, - 30.889, and - 31.166 kcal/mol, respectively whereas for the rest three configurations, it has been computed to be - 0.991, - 6.999, and - 8.796 kcal/mol, respectively. The band gaps for all six configurations are computed to be 2.68, 2.67, 2.06, 2.17, 2.07, and 2.14 eV, respectively. The band gap of pristine, B and Si doped fullerenes shows changes in their band gaps after adsorption of tyramine neurotransmitters. However, the change in band gaps reveals more in B doped fullerene rather than pristine and Si doped fullerenes. The change in band gaps of B and Si doped fullerenes leads a change in the electrical conductivity which helps to detect tyramine. Furthermore, natural bond orbital (NBO) computations demonstrated a net charge transfer of 0.006, 0.394, and 0.257e from tynamine to pristine, B and Si doped fullerenes.

A Simplified Approach for Determination of Inflection Points of Flattening Filter-Free Photon Beam Using In-House Developed Software and Derivation of Reference Levels.

Aim: This article aimed to present the salient features of the in-house developed Java program for the determination of inflection point and dosimetric parameters of flattening filter-free (FFF) photon beam. Reference levels for the dosimetric parameters of the FFF photon beams were also presented. Materials and Methods: Beam profiles of 6 MV FFF and 10 MV FFF photon beams for a collimator setting of 20 cm × 20 cm measured at 10 cm depth in an isocentric setup acquired from various institutions were analyzed using an in-house developed Java program and manual method. The values of reference dose value (RDV), field size, penumbra, and degree of un-flatness (defined as the lateral separation between 90% [X90%], 75% [X75%], and 60% [X60%] dose points on the profile) were calculated and compared. The reference values of field size, penumbra, and degree of un-flatness were also determined for Varian and Elekta medical electron linear accelerators (LINACs). Results: The maximum differences for RDV determined using the Java method and manual method are 2.4% and 2.7% for 6 and 10 MV FFF photon beams, respectively. The maximum difference between the values of field size, penumbra, and degree of un-flatness determined using Java and manual methods is within 1.3 mm. The reference values of field size and penumbra for Varian LINACs are 19.94 ± 0.10 cm and 0.83 ± 0.08 cm (6 MV FFF) and 19.95 ± 0.10 cm and 0.83 ± 0.08 cm (10 MV FFF). Similarly, the reference values of field size and penumbra for Elekta LINACs are 20.02 ± 0.09 cm and 0.94 ± 0.12 cm (6 MV FFF) and 20.03 ± 0.11 cm and 0.97 ± 0.16 cm (10 MV FFF). Conclusions: A software program was developed in Java for analyzing the beam profiles of FFF photon beams. The results of Java-derived values of dosimetric parameters of FFF photon beams were found in good agreement with the values determined using the manual method. The reference values of these parameters were also derived and quoted using a large cohort of the data.

Frequency of Low Cardiac Output Syndrome Following on Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery and it's Association with Degree of Pre-operative Left Ventricular Dysfunction.

Background Low cardiac output syndrome (LCOS) is a serious complication after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery. It is associated with 10 times to 17 times increase in mortality and markedly increase morbidity. Objective To find out the frequency of Low cardiac output syndrome following on pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery, to determine the association of Low cardiac output syndrome with degree of pre-operative left ventricular dysfunction and to compare in hospital outcomes of coronary bypass surgery with and without low cardiac output syndrome. Method This prospective, descriptive study enrolled 200 patients who underwent on pump coronary artery bypass grafting surgery using antegrade St Thomas blood cardioplegia. Pre-operatively grouped into two groups consisting Group A of 100 patients with pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥ 40% and group B of 100 patients with pre-operative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 40%. Post-operatively frequency of low cardiac output syndrome was compared between the groups and in-hospital outcomes were studied. Result The mean age of the patients in the study was 53.50±7.57 years. Male to female ratio was 1.8:1. Results showed overall frequency of low cardiac output syndrome was 21.5%. The frequency of LCOS was 15 vs 28% (p - 0.038) in patients with preoperative LV EF ≥ 40% and < 40% respectively. The outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were stroke (3.82 vs. 30.23%, p - 0.001), acute kidney injury (5.09 vs. 23.25%, p - 0.001), respiratory failure (6.36 vs. 34.88%, p - 0.001), ICU stay days (4.75 ± 1.28 vs. 7.44 ± 4.66, p - 0.018), hospital stay days (9.56 ± 2.40 vs. 15.22 ± 3.89, p - 0.001) and mortality (4.45 vs. 32.55%, p - 0.001) in patients without and with low cardiac output syndrome respectively. Conclusion The frequency of low cardiac output syndrome following coronary artery bypass surgery is 21.5%. Left ventricular dysfunction pre-operatively is associated with high frequency of low cardiac output syndrome following surgery. There is significantly poor outcome of coronary artery bypass surgery with low cardiac output syndrome in terms of stroke, respiratory failure, acute kidney injury, mortality and significant ICU stay, hospital stay in compare to patients without low cardiac output syndrome.

Spray pyrolysis-derived robust ferroelectric BiFeO3 thin films.

Scalable and low-cost synthesis of high-quality ferroic films is critical for the development of advanced electronic devices and sensors. Here, we employ solution-based spray pyrolysis to fabricate bismuth ferrite thin films on glass substrates and explore the impact of annealing conditions to attain functional thin films of superior quality and switchable polarization. Optimised thin films display polycrystalline nanostructured grains with the highest X-ray diffraction intensity along the (110) orientation and a mixed Fe2+/3+ valence suggesting the presence of oxygen vacancies. The optimized films show a complex ferroelectric domain microstructure and exhibit robust nanoscale polarization switching in the range of several volts. Domains are found to scale with the sizes of nanocrystalline grains, which points to the role of surface-energy-related mechanisms affecting the domain patterns. Our results demonstrate the potential of spray pyrolysis for the fabrication of high-quality ferroelectric thin films and provide new opportunities for the development of low-cost scalable advanced electronic devices.

THE IMPACT OF SLEEP ON PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH: IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY SLEEP HABITS.

Sleep is an important part of health, and when you go to sleep, how long you sleep, and how well you sleep all have a big impact on your health. Sleep may be required for regulating the body's metabolism, feelings, function, memory storage, brain recovery, and learning. Because of how important these processes are, sleep should be seen as just as important to health as what you eat and how much you exercise. Adults' sleep generally gets shorter and less restful, their sleep starts later and is more broken up, they have more sleep problems, and their rest-activity rhythms get weaker. In addition to receiving enough sleep (quality), healthy sleep habits also include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Ninety male college students with varying sleep schedules were analyzed for their physical and emotional well-being. By using factor analysis to categorize individuals' sleeping patterns across three dimensions regularity, quality, and quantity. We were able to develop sleep-habit measures. Clustering identified four distinct patterns of sleep behavior: good sleep was defined by regular, high-quality sleep despite being of comparatively brief duration; long sleep was predictable, fairly lengthy, but of minimal quality; short sleep was of excellent quality despite being short and irregular; and poor sleep was erratic, low-quality, and relatively long. The excellent sleepers also had reduced diastolic and systolic and a smaller means waist measurement. In addition, the poor sleepers had the lowest average MCS scores of all of the study groups. Poor sleepers also had the lowest mean scores on the Subjective Depression Scale (SDS). Issues involving glucose or lipid absorption were also more common in the short-term and long poor-sleep categories. Without restful sleep and a regular bedtime routine, it is impossible to maintain excellent mental and physical wellness, even if time and sleep are maintained constantly. Therefore, to produce suitable sleep recommendations for enhanced mental and physical health, we evaluated not only the quantity of sleep but also its consistency and high quality.

Observation of Fast Current Redistribution in an Imploding Plasma Column.

Spectroscopic measurements of the magnetic field evolution in a Z-pinch throughout stagnation and with particularly high spatial resolution reveal a sudden current redistribution from the stagnating plasma (SP) to a low-density plasma (LDP) at larger radii, while the SP continues to implode. Based on the plasma parameters it is shown that the current is transferred to an increasing-conductance LDP outside the stagnation, a process likely to be induced by the large impedance of the SP. Since an LDP often exists around imploding plasmas and in various pulsed-power systems, such a fast current redistribution may dramatically affect the behavior and achievable parameters in these systems.

Donor complications of contralateral C7 nerve transfer in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Contralateral C7 (CC7) nerve transfer is a reconstructive option in the upper limb when there are limited donor options. Promising results have been reported in the adult population but its role in Brachial Plexus Birth Injury (BPBI) is unclear. A major concern with this technique is the potential impact on the contralateral, unaffected limb. Our aim was to review the available literature on the use of this transfer in BPBI, to determine the incidence of short- and long-term deficits at the donor site. METHODS: The relevant literature was identified from searches of Embase, Ovid Emcare and Ovid MEDLINE, for combinations of terms relating to CC7 nerve transfer and BPBI. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were included in this review, from the eight papers that were eligible for inclusion, from a total of 16 papers identified. Patient age ranged from three to 93 months and the shortest follow-up period was six months. Post-operative motor deficits at the donor site included reduced range of shoulder abduction; triceps weakness; and phrenic nerve palsy. All motor deficits recovered within six months. The only sensory deficit reported was reduced sensation in the median nerve distribution which, in all cases, resolved within four weeks. Finally, synchronous donor limb motion and sensation were reported in 46.6% of patients. CONCLUSION: CC7 nerve transfer in BPBI appears to have few long-term donor limb complications. Sensory and motor deficits are reportedly transient. The impact of synchronous motion and sensation on upper limb function in this patient cohort is not yet known.

Paraneoplastic Manifestation of Primary Squamous Cell Cancer of the Thyroid Gland.

Paraneoplastic manifestation (PNM) of cancers is a non-metastatic, non-invasive systemic effect of malignancies due to chemokines and hormones produced by the primary neoplasm. Squamous cell cancers (SCCs) are known to present with PNM. Primary SCC of thyroid accounts for <1% of all thyroid malignancies and carries a very poor prognosis. We present a rare case of SCC arising from the thyroid gland who presented with fever, leukemoid reaction and hypercalcemia as part of PNM. A 67-year-old male patient presented with two months history of intermittent high-grade fever, weakness, loss of weight and appetite. Examination revealed a large (~10 cm) hard swelling over the right side of the neck. Investigations revealed neutrophilic leukocytosis, elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin and hypercalcemia with a normal thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). The fever workup was negative for infection. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core biopsy of the thyroid mass revealed malignant cells with squamous differentiation. An extensive search for possible other primary was ruled out by triple endoscopy. The combination of fever, neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypercalcemia and squamous malignancy was consistent with a diagnosis of PNM of SCC. A fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) CT scan showed a heterogeneously enhancing mass lesion in the right lobe of the thyroid with some retrosternal extension. He underwent total thyroidectomy with bilateral central compartment neck dissection. Final histopathology revealed moderately differentiated SCC of the thyroid. Concurrent chemoradiation was given. Despite continued chemotherapy, he succumbed to illness within six months of diagnosis. Primary SCC of thyroid (PSCCT) is a rare malignancy. It is a highly aggressive tumor having a poor prognosis with a median survival time of about 9-12 months and less clearly defined therapy due to its rarity. Paraneoplastic manifestation of PSCCT is known. As fever, leukemoid reaction and hypercalcemia can be a paraneoplastic manifestation, one should think of PSCCT.

Work-related musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in laparoscopic surgeons: an international multispecialty survey.

INTRODUCTION: As laparoscopic surgery is used more widely across the globe and within multiple surgical specialties the potential impact on surgeons is yet to be fully quantified. Maintenance of uncomfortable body positions may lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) in surgeons, with potential knock-on effects. METHODS: An international open online survey of multispecialty laparoscopic surgeons was carried out, designed and reported in accordance with the CHERRIES checklist for internet e-survey research. There was no paid advertising and no incentives offered. RESULTS: A total of 259 surgeons from 9 specialties and 32 countries answered the survey, with 90% reporting pain attributable to performing laparoscopic surgery. All training grades were represented. Longer average operative duration and a greater number of years in practice were both associated with a significantly higher prevalence of pain. Surgeons with a pre-existing injury were significantly more likely to report pain than those without. Twenty per cent of surgeons would consider early retirement owing to pain. CONCLUSIONS: The impact on surgeons of performing laparoscopic surgery is significant, even given the limitations of an open survey. Innovations such as robotic surgery and improved ergonomic education may reduce the incidence of WMSD in surgeons, to mitigate both the personal effects on surgeons and the wider effect on the future surgical workforce.

Meta-QTLs, ortho-meta QTLs and related candidate genes for yield and its component traits under water stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Meta-QTLs (MQTLs), ortho-MQTLs, and related candidate genes (CGs) for yield and its seven component traits evaluated under water deficit conditions were identified in wheat. For this purpose, a high density consensus map and 318 known QTLs were used for identification of 56 MQTLs. Confidence intervals (CIs) of the MQTLs were narrower (0.7-21 cM; mean = 5.95 cM) than the CIs of the known QTLs (0.4-66.6 cM; mean = 12.72 cM). Forty-seven MQTLs were co-located with marker trait associations reported in previous genome-wide association studies. Nine selected MQTLs were declared as 'breeders MQTLs' for use in marker-assisted breeding (MAB). Utilizing known MQTLs and synteny/collinearity among wheat, rice and maize, 12 ortho-MQTLs were also identified. A total of 1497 CGs underlying MQTLs were also identified, which were subjected to in-silico expression analysis, leading to identification of 64 differentially expressed CGs (DECGs) under normal and water deficit conditions. These DECGs encoded a variety of proteins, including the following: zinc finger, cytochrome P450, AP2/ERF domain-containing proteins, plant peroxidase, glycosyl transferase, glycoside hydrolase. The expression of 12 CGs at seedling stage (3 h stress) was validated using qRT-PCR in two wheat genotypes, namely Excalibur (drought tolerant) and PBW343 (drought sensitive). Nine of the 12 CGs were up-regulated and three down-regulated in Excalibur. The results of the present study should prove useful for MAB, for fine mapping of promising MQTLs and for cloning of genes across the three cereals studied. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-023-01301-z.

RT-PCR based detection of Pepper mild mottle virus from capsicum seeds and seed transmission assay.

Pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV), a Tobamovirus from Virgaviridae family, is highly contagious and transmitted by seeds as well as soil in nature. PMMoV has become a greater threat to capsicum cultivation worldwide. To develop an indigenous, rapid, and sensitive protocol for routine detection of PMMoV from seeds, the sensitivity of DAS-ELISA and RT-PCR was compared in the present study. The infected seeds of California Wonder were included in the study. Through DAS-ELISA the virus was successfully detected from 20 mg of seeds. However, using RT-PCR, we were able to detect the virus even from one infected seed with reproducibility. In the present study, vertical seed transmission of the test virus was investigated by employing a grow-out test under greenhouse conditions as well as directly through RT-PCR omitting the grow-out test in three capsicum cultivars. Based on symptoms observations in grow out test, seed transmission was observed in the 3 capsicum cultivars viz., California Wonder (63.04%), Yolo Wonder (33.80%) and Doux des LAndes (33.30%). Through RT-PCR it was estimated to be 55.56% (California Wonder), 28.96% (Yolo Wonder), and 40.64% (Doux des Landes), respectively. Thus, indicating 100% seed-to-seedling PMMoV transmission and reliability of RT-PCR in direct PMMoV detection from seeds. Even a small percentage of infected seed has the potential to greatly increase the PMMoV inoculum in the field and result in 100% plant infection. Therefore, we suggest using the established procedure for PMMoV detection right from the seed. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-023-00807-0.

Friction reducing ability of a poly-l-lysine and dopamine modified hyaluronan coating for polycaprolactone cartilage resurfacing implants.

Frictional properties of cartilage resurfacing implants should be sufficiently low to limit damaging of the opposing cartilage during articulation. The present study determines if native lubricious molecule proteoglycan 4 (PRG4) can adsorb onto a layer-by-layer bioinspired coating composed of poly-l-lysine (PLL) and dopamine modified hyaluronic acid (HADN) and thereby can reduce the friction between implant and articular cartilage. An ELISA was developed to quantify the amount of immobilized human recombinant (rh)PRG4 after exposure to the PLL-HADN coating. The effect on lubrication was evaluated by comparing the coefficient of friction (CoF) of bare polycaprolactone (PCL) disks to that of PLL-HADN coated PCL disks while articulated against cartilage using a ring-on-disk geometry and a lubricant solution consisting of native synovial fluid components including rhPRG4. The PLL-HADN coating effectively immobilized rhPRG4. The surface roughness of PCL disks significantly increased while the water contact angle significantly decreased after application of the coating. The average CoF measured during the first minute of bare PCL against cartilage exceeded twice the CoF of the PLL-HADN coated PCL against cartilage. After 60 min, the CoF reached equilibrium values which were still significantly higher for bare PCL compared to coated PCL. The present study demonstrated that PCL can effectively be coated with PLL-HADN. Additionally, this coating reduces the friction between PCL and cartilage when a PRG4-rich lubricant is used, similar to the lubricating surface of native cartilage. This makes PLL-HADN coating a promising application to improve the clinical success of PCL-based cartilage resurfacing implants.

Real-time assessment of the Ganga river during pandemic COVID-19 and predictive data modeling by machine learning.

In this study, four water quality parameters were reviewed at 14 stations of river Ganga in pre-, during and post-lockdown and these parameters were modeled by using different machine learning algorithms. Various mathematical models were used for the computation of water quality parameters in pre-, during and post- lockdown period by using Central Pollution Control Board real-time data. Lockdown resulted in the reduction of Biochemical Oxygen Demand ranging from 55 to 92% with increased concentration of dissolved oxygen at few stations. pH was in range of 6.5-8.5 of during lockdown. Total coliform count declined during lockdown period at some stations. The modeling of oxygen saturation deficit showed supremacy of Thomas Mueller model (R2 = 0.75) during lockdown over Streeter Phelps (R2 = 0.57). Polynomial regression and Newton's Divided Difference model predicted possible values of water quality parameters till 30th June, 2020 and 07th August, 2020, respectively. It was found that predicted and real values were close to each other. Genetic algorithm was used to optimize hyperparameters of algorithms like Support Vector Regression and Radical Basis Function Neural Network, which were then employed for prediction of all examined water quality metrics. Computed values from ANN model were found close to the experimental ones (R2 = 1). Support Vector Regression-Genetic Algorithm Hybrid proved to be very effective for accurate prediction of pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, Dissolved Oxygen and Total coliform count during lockdown. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13762-022-04423-1.

The food-energy-water-carbon nexus of the rice-wheat production system in the western Indo-Gangetic Plain of India: An impact of irrigation system, conservational tillage and residue management.

The conventional rice-wheat system in the western Indo-Gangetic plain of India is energy and water intensive with high carbon footprint. The transition towards resource-efficient eco-friendly production technologies with lower footprint is required for inclusive ecological sustenance. A five-year (2016-17 to 2020-21) field experiment was conducted in RWS with hypothesis that pressurized irrigation systems [drip (DRIP) and mini-sprinkler (MSIS)] in conservation tillage [reduced (RT)/zero (ZT)] and crop residue management [incorporation (RI)/mulch (RM)] might result in higher resource use efficiency with lesser carbon footprint compared to conventional system. Experiment consisted five treatments namely (1) puddled transplanted rice followed by conventionally tilled wheat (PTR/CTW), (2) DRIP irrigated reduced till direct seeded rice (RTDSR) followed by zero-till wheat with 100 % rice residue mulching (ZTW + RM) (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (3) surface irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (SIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), (4) MSIS irrigated RTDSR followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR/ZTW + RM), and (5) MSIS irrigated RTDSR with 1/3rd wheat residue incorporation followed by ZTW + RM (MSIS-RTDSR + RI/ZTW + RM). The pressurized irrigation system in RWS established under conservational tillage and residue management (DRIP-RTDSR/ZTW + RM and MSIS-DSR + RI/ZTW + RM) produced at par system productivity compared to PTR/CTW. Substantial nitrogen (79-114 ka ha-1) and irrigation water (536-680 mm) savings under pressurized irrigation systems resulted in 41-64 % higher partial factor productivity of nitrogen with 48-61 % lower water footprint. These systems had lower energy consumption attaining 15-21 % higher net energy, 44-61 % higher energy use efficiency, and 31-38 % lower specific energy. Efficient utilization of farm inputs caused lower greenhouse gas emission (39-44 %) and enhanced carbon sequestration (35-62 %) resulting 63-76 % lower carbon footprint over PTR/CTW. The information generated here might useful in developing policies for resource and climate-smart food production system aiming livelihood security and ecological sustainability in the region. Further, trials are needed for wider adaptability under different climate, soil and agronomic practices to develop site-specific climate smart practices.